The Grapevine Blog

Summer Starters

With the fantastic summer weather continuing, BBQ’s are in full swing and invitations are flying out left, right and centre for picnics. Here are a couple of ideas for starters that will impress your friends and are the ideal partner for that perfect summer wine, Domaine des Jeanne rosé wine.

Prosciutto sticks, roasted red pepper shots and rosé

Prosciutto sticks

Ingredients:

• 300g tub light soft cheese

• 2 tbsp basil pesto

• 140g pack grissini sticks (bread sticks)

• 90g pack prosciutto

• 1 tbsp pine nuts

• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Method:

• Mix the cheese with the basil pesto

• Take the bread sticks and halve each one

• Cut the prosciutto into strips and wrap around the end of each bread stick

• Serve alongside the pesto dip

• Scatter the pine nuts over the dip and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving

Roasted red pepper shots looking good!

Roasted Red Pepper Shots

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, roughly chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp red pepper pesto

• 400g can peeled plum tomatoes

• 295g jar roasted red peppers

• 200ml vegetable stock

• Basil leaves, for garnish

Et voilà!

Method:

• Fry the onion in olive oil for 8-10 mins, then add the crushed garlic cloves, sugar and red pepper pesto and cook for 1-2 mins.

• Tip in the plum tomatoes, drain and chop the roasted red peppers and add.

• Pour in the vegetable stock and simmer for 10 mins.

• Season, then blend until smooth with a hand blender.

• Cool.

• Freeze in freezer bags or a microwavable container.

• To serve, defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in a pan, or microwave for a few minutes, stirring often, until hot.

• Serve in shot glasses, garnished with basil leaves.

Now you’re ready to go! For the final touch, serve with a cool chilled glass of Domaine des Jeanne, order here.